The Nigerian army said Sunday it had rescued 360 people abducted by Boko Haram in southern Borno, in the north east of the country.
The operation, according to the army’s statement was conducted in the Mandara mountains which form a part of the militant group’s stronghold.
It resulted in the release of men, women and children who had been abducted across different communities in Borno.
Abductions key tactic of militant group
Kidnappings, often for ransom, have become a key tactic of Boko Haram jihadists in their 17 year insurgency against the Nigerian state.
It was not immediately clear how the victims’ release was secured, but the Nigerian military said it executed an “intelligence-led rescue operation”.
Two infants “succumbed to exhaustion” during their prolonged captivity, an army spokesperson, Haruna Sani, said.
“The remaining rescued abductees were successfully evacuated to safe locations for medical care and humanitarian support, marking a major operational success and a significant setback for the terrorist group.“
The militants had demanded millions of naira in ransom for the Ngoshe captives.
Authorities in Nigeria deny paying ransoms, though analysts say it is common practice, by both the government and victims’ families.
Not enough being done, analysts say
Nigeria faces a complex security crisis, where the northern part of the country has experienced a more than decade-long insurgency alongside armed groups that carry out kidnappings for ransom.
Among the most prominent Islamic militant groups are Boko Haram and its breakaway faction, which is affiliated with the Islamic State group.
The insurgency in Nigeria’s north-east has killed thousands of people and displaced millions, according to the United Nations.
Analysts say not enough is being done by the government to protect its citizens, despite repeated promises by President Bola Tinubu to curb the crisis.
AFP/AP/Reuters
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